Portraits of Courage Exhibit at Franklin Memorial Hospital in June

Gallery talk by the artist takes place Monday, June 8 at 5:15 p.m.

Farmington¾

Portraits of Courage, an exhibition of original art by Penny Hood that honors the strength and courage of those who have survived sexual assault and domestic violence, will be on display during the month of June in the Healing Garden corridor at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

An artist and licensed clinical professional counselor from the Farmington area, Hood created the original artwork in this traveling exhibit to honor the survivors of violence and their advocates.

“Moving through trauma requires great courage,” says Hood. In developing the project, she looked for people eager to break the silence around violence and asked them where they found the strength to get where they are today.

Following in-depth collaborative interviews, Hood painted pictures of what recovery and healing can look like. “The resulting portraits shine with hope, strength, courage, resilience, and spirit. They inspire us all to find our own strength in the face of adversity,” she said.

“We are pleased to have this exhibit on display for a full month on our campus,” said Gerald Cayer, Franklin Community Health Network executive vice president. “It is yet another representation of our organization’s ongoing commitment to domestic violence awareness and community education—hope and courage.”

A reception and gallery talk featuring the artist discussing the inspiration for the exhibit and stories behind some of the portraits is set for Monday, June 8 at 5:15 p.m. in the Healing Garden corridor at Franklin Memorial Hospital. Refreshments will follow.

Governor LePage Congratulates OnProcess Technology on Expansion in Belfast

AUGUSTA – As many as 350 new jobs could soon be heading to Maine’s midcoast region. Massachusetts-based OnProcess Technology today announced an expansion of its North America footprint. The global pioneer in service supply chain management and optimization will open a service delivery center in Belfast.

“We are pleased to welcome OnProcess Technology to Maine,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “This company has experienced significant growth within the last year and could have chosen anywhere in the world for an expansion. Its decision to start an operation in Maine is a testament to our ongoing commitment to become better partners with the private sector in attracting new investment and career opportunities for the Maine people."

Governor LePage also credits the expansion to the efforts of Maine and Company, a private non-profit organization that works to attract new businesses and investment to Maine.

OnProcess is planning to invest more than $2 million in the purchase of new equipment, employee training and other investments at the former MBNA facility. The company has secured a five-year lease on 35,000 square feet of space.

The company is planning to immediately hire 50 full- and part-time employees in a variety of positions, ranging from entry-level agents to managerial roles. The Department of Labor’s Maine Job Bank and CareerCenter network will be immediately assisting OnProcess in hiring staff as quickly as possible.

To learn more about these exciting opportunities, apply for positions and or conduct on-site interviews, please consider attending the OnProcess Technology

Governor Orders Flags to be Lowered in of Honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day

Governor Paul R. LePage has directed that the United States flag and the State of Maine flag be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, May 15, 2015 in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

The lowering of the flags is in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Barack Obama. A copy of the proclamation is available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/05/08/presidential-proclamation-peace-officers-memorial-day-and-police-week--0

Governor LePage Testifies Before House Subcommittee on Energy and Power

May 13, 2015

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Governor Paul R. LePage testified this morning before the House Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Energy and Power in support of a bill to speed the federal permitting process and lower energy costs across our nation.

The draft legislation aims to improve the permitting of interstate natural gas pipelines, along with a draft bill to reduce the regulatory burdens on hydropower production. Governor LePage spoke about how the process must be modernized and the hydropower licensing process improved to make it more efficient and transparent, while continuing to uphold environmental protections.

“Natural gas and hydropower are ready to power our idle mills. I appreciate the work that this Committee is doing to bring rationality to the federal permitting process,” said Governor LePage. “I encourage the Committee to adopt these modest bills and to continue the work to accelerate the energy infrastructure projects that can bring additional prosperity to Maine and the rest of the country.” The Governor’s complete written and oral testimony is available by clicking the highlighted links.

During today’s hearing, it was acknowledged that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) takes years to approve permits – on average more than two-and-a-half years, a timeframe confirmed by Ann Miles, director of the Office of Energy Projects at FERC.

“While the speed of energy technology innovation has increased, our federal permitting process has languished,” Governor LePage told the Subcommittee. “Activists who are not looking to improve projects or raise substantive environmental considerations often hijack the process. Rather, their objective is simply to block critical energy infrastructure across the country – to keep projects stuck in bureaucracy and to hold our economies back.”

In addition, the Governor has introduced three bills to lower the cost of energy for Maine’s businesses. These include the following:

• “An Act to Reduce Electric Rates for Maine Businesses.” The legislation would refund a portion of the pollution auction collected under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) back to ratepayers. Specifically, starting in July 2015, 55 percent of funds collected under RGGI (approximately $5.7 million in FY 2014) would be returned directly to business ratepayers, thus lowering their electricity rates. The legislation (LD 1398) is sponsored by Senator Garrett Mason.
• “An Act to Improve Natural Gas Price Competitiveness for Maine’s Manufacturers.” The bill authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to aid large natural gas users in obtaining adequate natural gas supplies at a reasonable cost. Utilizing the PUC’s existing authority to contract for natural gas capacity, this bill would permit large natural gas users to contract for their own supplies, using the state’s transmission and distribution utilities as the creditworthy ‘backstop’ for the supply contract. The bill (L.D. 1399) is sponsored by Senator David Burns.
• “An Act to Focus Energy Laws on Energy Cost.” The bill takes several actions to reduce energy costs for Mainers. The legislation authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to encourage aggregation of distributed generation (i.e., energy produced near where it is used), thus capturing the benefits of such generation for ratepayers. The bill also makes several changes to the state’s complex renewable energy policies, to encourage procuring clean energy sources at a lower cost. The bill changes the state’s long term contracting authority to focus on lower cost projects, and it eliminates both the net energy billing program and the state’s renewable portfolio standard. These subsidy programs are paid for by all ratepayers, but at current pricing is doing little to encourage development of cost-effective renewable energy. The bill (L.D. 1400) is sponsored by Senator Woodsome.

The bills are likely to be referred to the Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee for public hearing.

Taxation Committee Denies Mainers the Chance to Vote on Eliminating Income Tax

May 13, 2015

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage expressed disappointment Wednesday as the Committee on Taxation voted against eliminating the income tax burden on Mainers. Committee members voted 7-5 along party lines with one member absent. Absent members have 24 hours to vote.

“The people of Maine should know how their legislators are voting, and only then will politicians be held accountable for their actions. It is a disgrace for these politicians to refuse Mainers the opportunity to vote on eliminating the income tax,” said Governor LePage. “I urge people to demand to know why their legislators don’t want you to have a say in the process.”

Voted Against Eliminating the Income Tax

Senator Nathan L. Libby (D-Androscoggin)
Representative Adam A. Goode (D-Bangor), Chair
Representative Stephen S. Stanley (D-Medway)
Representative Matthew W. Moonen (D-Portland)
Representative Diane M. Russell (D-Portland)
Representative Denise A. Tepler (D-Topsham)
Representative Gary E. Sukeforth (I-Appleton)

Voted For Eliminating the Income Tax

Senator Earle L. McCormick (R-Kennebec), Chair
Senator Paul T. Davis, Sr. (R-Piscataquis)
Representative H. Stedman Seavey (R-Kennebunkport)
Representative Paul Chace (R-Durham)
Representative Thomas H. Skolfield (R-Weld)
Representative Bruce A. Bickford (R-Auburn) *Absent

The Governor has proposed a Constitutional amendment that will eliminate the income tax and prohibit the Legislature from enacting any income tax in the future. His bill, LD1367, “Resolution, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Eliminate the Income Tax,” would require a two-thirds vote of the Legislature, then approval by Maine voters at a statewide referendum in November following passage of the bill.

The ballot question would be: "Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to prohibit the Legislature, beginning January 1, 2020, from enacting or imposing a tax on the income of any person and prohibiting the State from levying or collecting an income tax for any period beginning on or after January 1, 2020?"

If Mainers want the chance to vote to eliminate the income tax, the Governor encourages them to contact members of the Taxation Committee:

Senator Nathan L. Libby (D-Androscoggin)
Nathan.libby@gmail.com Phone: 713-8449
Representative Adam A. Goode (D-Bangor), Chair
adam.goode@legislature.maine.gov Phone: 991-7000
Representative Stephen S. Stanley (D-Medway)
Stephen.stanley@legislature.maine.gov Phone: 746-5371
Representative Matthew W. Moonen (D-Portland)
matthew.moonen@legislature.maine.gov Phone: 332-7823
Representative Diane M. Russell (D-Portland)
diane.russell@legislature.maine.gov Phone: 272-9182
Representative Denise A. Tepler (D-Topsham)
denise.tepler@legislature.maine.gov Phone: 729-4018
Representative Gary E. Sukeforth (I-Appleton)
gary.sukeforth@legislature.maine.gov Phone: 975-3020
Senator Earle L. McCormick (R-Kennebec), Chair
Email: demccormick@tds.net Phone: 724-3228
Senator Paul T. Davis, Sr. (R-Piscataquis)
Sendavis@myottmail.com Phone: 876-4047
Representative H. Stedman Seavey (R-Kennebunkport)
stedman.seavey@legislature.maine.gov Phone: 967-5991
Representative Bruce A. Bickford (R-Auburn)
bruce.bickford@legislature.maine.gov Phone: 740-0328
Representative Paul Chace (R-Durham)
paul.chace@legislature.maine.gov Phone: 240-9300
Representative Thomas H. Skolfield (R-Weld)
thomas.skolfield@legislature.maine.gov Phone: 585-2638

Franklin Memorial Hospital Repaving Front Parking Lots

Project is an important investment in patients and visitors’ safety

FARMINGTON¾

Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) is resurfacing its front parking lots that serve hospital patients and visitors. The project consists of excavating the old pavement, rebuilding a solid base, and asphalt paving and line painting. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 18 and is expected to take approximately five weeks to complete.

“Even though we have parking assistance during normal business hours for people with mobility issues, the uneven terrain that currently exists in the parking lots can be difficult for those unsteady on their feet who enter the facility at other times,” said Rebecca Arsenault, FMH president and CEO. “This upgrade is long overdue and will help create the safest possible environment for our patients and visitors.”

Hospital officials ask for your assistance to help this project go smoothly. Paving will take place in two sections at a time. As one area is completed, it will reopen, and another section will close while work is in progress. The work area will be closed off by large orange traffic barrels and concrete barriers; two parking lot sections will remain open at all times.

EL Vining and Son, a Farmington-based excavation contractor, was selected through a bidding process and will be managing the project. Work activities will normally take place Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation with any inconveniences caused by this activity,” added Arsenault. “It is an important investment toward our future and once completed the new parking lots should last from 15-25 years.

First Lady Ann LePage to distribute 500 books in Washington County, become a Summer Reading Ambassador

AUGUSTA – First Lady Ann LePage has pledged to help spread the importance of children reading over the summer by signing on as a Reading Ambassador for the 2015 Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge.

The Challenge is a free, global reading program that motivates children to read throughout the summer months to prevent the effects of the “summer slide” – the learning losses that can occur when school is not in session.

“I’m so honored to be a Reading Ambassador for Scholastic’s Summer Reading Challenge again this year,” said Mrs. LePage. “I’m a firm believer that if a child learns to read and learns to love to read, there is nothing they can’t accomplish in life.

“With the help of Scholastic, on Wednesday, May 13, Mrs. LePage will help pass out 500 books to students of three elementary schools in Washington County. First Lady LePage will greet students and offer a few remarks at each school beginning at 11 a.m. at DW Merritt Elementary, 518 Indian River Road in Addison.

She’ll then travel to Harrington Elementary School, 1227 US Highway 1A, Harrington, for an all-school assembly at 11:45 a.m. and end her tour at 12:30 p.m. at Milbridge Elementary, 39 Washington Street, Milbridge.

For more information on the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge and for free online support for students, parents and educators, please visit http://www.scholastic.com/ups/campaigns/src-2015.

HealthReach Community Health Centers Welcomes Joseph Sorbello, PA

WATERVILLE - Joseph Sorbello, PA will be joining the per diem provider team of HealthReach Community Health Centers in May. HealthReach is a system of 11 community health centers that provide medical care in central/western Maine communities. The organization maintains a pool of fill-in providers to provide uninterrupted care to patients when site providers are in training or on leave. 

Sorbello has been providing physician assistant services in Maine since the late nineties in surgical and urgent care settings. He obtained a bachelor’s degree at the Physician Assistant program at Kings College, PA in 1993 and completed a post graduate cardiothoracic surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic, MN in 1994.  In addition he participates in an annual mission providing medical care to rural regions of the Dominican Republic and Haiti while mentoring nursing and allied health professionals.

Sorbello shared that he enjoys spending time in Western Maine and is pleased to have the opportunity to provide medical care as needed at several area health centers.

HealthReach Community Health Centers is a system of eleven federally qualified health centers in Central and Western Maine. Dedicated providers deliver high quality health care to citizens in over 80 rural communities. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare and major insurances. In addition, we offer an Affordable Care Program to uninsured and underinsured residents and assist with applications for other programs that help with the cost of health care and medications including the Health Insurance Marketplace. A private, non-profit celebrating a 40-year history, HealthReach is funded by patient fees, grants and individual donations.

Nurses Nominated for Excellence in Nursing Award

Hope Willis was named as peer-nominated award recipient

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

On May 6 in coordination with national nurses’ day, nursing leaders and peers recognized seven Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) nurses as outstanding, by being nominated for the organization’s fourth annual Excellence in Nursing Award. The award was established to recognize contributions by FMH nurses that support the advancement of nursing.

Nominees included: Billie Jo Peterson, Emergency Department; Hope Willis, Med/Surg; Sharon Fournier, Franklin Health Orthopaedics; Barbara O’Reilly, Surgical Services; Kelly Alley, Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center; Jenny Fournier, Surgical Services; and Mary Sennott, Med/Surg.

“These nominated nurses have demonstrated exceptional nursing practice and professionalism while demonstrating our core values of pride, innovation, caring, and excellence,” said Rebecca Wood, FMH interim chief nursing officer. “The award we are presenting today recognizes all of these outstanding nurses−not just one−and their outstanding commitment to promoting optimal patient outcomes and a healthy work environment. All of our nominees are winners.”

Along with the nominees, Wood also recognized the individuals who took the time to nominate a nurse. They included: Nancy Walters, Roger Wells, Kellie Gats, Alice Vanderwerken, Kayla Allen, and Jessica Jewett.

At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Hope Willis was named as the award recipient. Nominated by Nancy Walters, she said, “Hope is probably protesting that she is no more deserving of this award than any other. Her mild, unassuming nature and the fact that she does an outstanding job with no expectation of reward are part of her excellence. Hope’s pride in her work shows in many ways, not the least of which is her longtime commitment to the Medical Surgical Unit’s night shift. She takes time to learn new procedures completely, then shares her knowledge generously with others. She is a role model to all members of the floor team and she fosters a much needed sense of playfulness when appropriate. She strives to share credit with all members of the team and works hard to ease any idea that one role counts more than others.” 

Willis was also cited for her depth of nursing knowledge and being an excellent coach, preceptor, and resource for staff. For patients, she tirelessly listens to patients’ fears and concerns, advocates for their needs, and has a gift for putting patients and their families at ease.

Special recognition was also given to employees Joline Hart, vice president human resources, and Michael Senecal, NorthStar director, who were declared honorary nurses for the immeasurable support each has given to nursing staff.

Festivities prior to the award presentation included a social hour with refreshments and entertainment by Dr. Jay Naliboff.

Governor LePage Urges Citizens to Contact Their Legislators about Eliminating the Income Tax

May 4, 2015

For Immediate Release: Monday, May 4, 2015 Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage is encouraging citizens to contact their legislators to support his bill to eliminate the income tax, which would put 1.2 billion dollars back into the paychecks of all working Mainers.

“Eliminating the income tax is the largest wage increase that Mainers could get,” said Governor LePage. “You work hard for your money, you earned it and you should keep it. You know much better than government how to spend your own money.”

The Governor is proposing a Constitutional amendment that will eliminate the income tax and prohibit the Legislature from enacting any income tax in the future. His bill, LD1367, “Resolution, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Eliminate the Income Tax,” would require a two-thirds vote of the Legislature, then approval by Maine voters at a statewide referendum in November following passage of the bill.

The ballot question would be: "Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to prohibit the Legislature, beginning January 1, 2020, from enacting or imposing a tax on the income of any person and prohibiting the State from levying or collecting an income tax for any period beginning on or after January 1, 2020?"

“We have taken a cautious approach toward eliminating the income tax,” said Governor LePage. “We are phasing it out over time until it is gone. We first reduced the top rate from 8.5% to 7.95%, giving tax relief to two-thirds of Mainers. In addition, 70,000 low-income Mainers no longer pay income tax. My tax reform plan would further reduce the income tax from 7.95% to 5.75%, which would be a 40 percent reduction in the income tax since I took office. My goal is to reduce the income tax to 4% by the end of 2018. The Constitutional amendment would ensure it continues to go down after I leave office.”

Whether citizens agree with the Governor’s plan or not, he encourages them to contact their legislators to make their feelings known. “The citizens of Maine hold the true power, not me and not the Legislature,” said Governor LePage. “If you want to eliminate the income tax and put more money in your paycheck, pick up the phone and call your legislators, write them a letter or send them an email. Your voice is important: make sure they hear it.”